National Pollinator Strategy: Implementation Plan, 2018-2021 December 2018
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National Pollinator Strategy: Implementation Plan, 2018-2021 December 2018
&URZQFRS\ULJKWContents Introduction ..........................................................................................................................1 Delivery and review ..........................................................................................................1 Pollinator Advisory Steering Group Members ..................................................................2 Overview..............................................................................................................................3 Strategy Outcomes...........................................................................................................3 Strategy Structure ............................................................................................................3 Actions .................................................................................................................................4 Strengthening the Evidence Base ....................................................................................4 Managing our Land ..........................................................................................................8 Sustaining Bee Health....................................................................................................11 Engaging People............................................................................................................12
Introduction
The National Pollinator Strategy (NPS) is a 10 year plan published in November 2014,
developed after a thorough review of the evidence base and wide consultation. It sets out how
Government, beekeepers, conservation groups, farmers, researchers and industry can work
together to improve the status of the 1500 or so pollinating insect species in England.
The NPS implementation plan sets out how we will deliver the actions in the NPS. It details what
we will do and how we will monitor progress. The plan covers the period 2018-2021.
Many of its actions are well underway, continued or updated from those in the previous
implementation plan, published in November 2015. These previous actions are noted, where
relevant. Others are new, reflecting progress made and needs identified since the NPS was
published. The actions were developed in consultation with the Pollinator Advisory Steering
Group (PASG), under four themes or ‘action areas’:
• Strengthening the evidence base
• Managing our land
• Bee health
• Engaging people.
Delivery and review
The Pollinator Advisory Steering Group (PASG) guide and deliver actions under the
implementation plan, which is coordinated by Defra. PASG members work with their supporters
and partners, creating a wide network delivering benefits for pollinators across the country.
As we progress, and new evidence comes to light, we will undertake periodic evaluation of the
plan to ensure that we are meeting the NPS’s objectives and prioritising the right areas and
approaches.
In 2019, alongside the PASG and in consultation with other stakeholders, we will also review
and refresh the aims of the NPS. As stated in the NPS, this review will identify any necessary
targets and additional policies, including mandatory or incentivised measures, to strengthen our
response. We will update the implementation plan accordingly.
1Pollinator Advisory Steering Group Members
The Association of Local Government Ecologists (ALGE), the Bee Farmers Association (BFA),
the British Beekeepers Association (BBKA), Buglife, the Bumblebee Conservation Trust
(BBCT), the Centre for Ecology & Hydrology (CEH), Campaign for the Farmed Environment
(CFE), CLA, The Environment Agency (EA), Friends of the Earth (FoE), Grow Wild, the Game
and Wildlife Conservation Trust (GWCT), Kew Gardens, Learning Through Landscapes,
Ministry of Defence, National Farmers Union (NFU), The National Trust, Natural England (NE),
Natural Resources Wales, Pesticide Action Network UK (PAN UK), Plantlife, Royal Horticultural
Society (RHS), Royal Parks, Soil Association, University of Bristol, University of East Anglia
(UEA), University of Reading, the National Federation of Women’s Institutes (WI), the Wildlife
Trusts (WT), the World Bee Project.
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Actions
Strengthening the Evidence Base
What success will look like:
• Up-to-date, accessible evidence will be available on the status, value and drivers of change of pollinators and pollination services
in England
• Funding will be identified and secured for research and monitoring initiatives
• An updated National Action Plan for the Sustainable Use of Pesticides will be published, following review and consultation
• Accessible, up-to-date guidance will be available on Integrated Pest Management for professional and amenity sectors
Steps for the partnership to take:
• Agree and pursue the most effective and efficient ways to build the evidence base
• Continue to promote citizen science and volunteer monitoring schemes
• Identify and target funding streams for project applications
• Continue to review and encourage research on the impacts of pesticides and IPM, along with the development of evidence-based
guidance, restrictions and applications
Table 1: Monitoring
Action Lead Partners 2018/19 2019/20 2020/21
Implement the Pollinator Monitoring and Research Partnership CEH Defra, Devolved yes
(PMRP), including action to support and promote volunteer Administrations, JNCC, Univ.
recording schemes including, but not limited to, PoMS (refers of Reading, Univ. of Leeds,
to 2016 Implementation Plan Evidence Action 2). BBCT, BTO, BC and Hymettus
4Action Lead Partners 2018/19 2019/20 2020/21
Review options for continued/longer-term funding of monitoring Defra, CEH, PASG yes
(2016 IP Evidence Action 2). JNCC, BWARS
Continue to work with the National Biodiversity Network (NBN) Defra, NE, NBN yes
Trust to implement the new NBN strategy (2016 IP Action 2). JNCC, EA
Review options to apply new DNA based techniques to JNCC, NE, Defra yes
monitoring - alongside and in comparison with traditional CEH
taxonomic techniques - and publicise and share information
where possible/relevant (2016 IP Evidence Action 4).
New actions
Establish a pollinator monitoring and research group (PM- University of Academic community yes
RAG) to advise on strengthening monitoring in the long-term Reading, CEH
Roll out iRecord to improve online data flow to the NBN Atlas Biological yes yes
Records Centre
at CEH
Table 2: Research
Action Lead Partners 2018/19 2019/20 2020/21
New actions
Disseminate findings of ‘Modelling Landscapes for Resilient University of yes yes yes
Pollination Services’ research, including options for risk maps. Reading
Disseminate findings of new research on nutritional quality of UEA yes yes
pollinator seed mixes.
5Table 3: Evaluation
Action Lead Partners 2018/19 2019/20 2020/21
New actions
Update the evidence base on the status and value of Defra CEH, Academic community yes
pollinators, including assessment of the effectiveness of (including Univ. of Reading,
responses to date (e.g. agri-environment schemes). Univ. of Bristol, Royal
Holloway, UEA, Imperial
College and INRA), PASG
Table 4: Knowledge exchange
Action Lead Partners 2018/19 2019/20 2020/21
Consider further opportunities for knowledge sharing between Defra, PASG Academic community yes yes
scientists, conservation practitioners and NGOs (2016 IP
Action 4).
New actions
Synthesise evidence-based reviews for accessibility by PASG Defra Academic partners yes
and wider audiences
Bring together outputs from research projects on biodiversity Univ. of Defra, NE, BBCT, GWCT, yes yes
and ecosystem services, to effectively enable management of Reading Buglife, LEAF, other PASG
land at the landscape/catchment level - NERC Knowledge members and stakeholders
Exchange Fellowship: “Working together to add value:
Enhancing landscapes for biodiversity and multiple ecosystem
services”
6Table 5: Pesticides / Integrated Pest Management (IPM)
Action Lead Partners 2018/19 2019/20 2020/21
Continue to review and update guidance on Integrated Pest Defra, HSE, Pesticides Forum, PASG yes yes yes
Management (IPM). Continue working with industry bodies on Industry
the development of new guidance which promotes the use of
integrated approaches to control pests, weeds and diseases.
(2016 IP Action 8)
Identify practical applications of IPM in support of pollinators Defra, PASG Pesticides Forum, HSE yes yes yes
for promotion to farmers/growers from active and ongoing
review of research. PASG to advise Defra on relevant new
publications/data, etc. Defra to assess outputs from PF’s
Knowledge Transfer Group review of practical applications of
existing IPM research, and views of PASG members on
applied research developments in relevant organisations.
Defra and PASG to consider and pursue potential options for
application. (2016 IP Action 11)
New Actions
Review and publically consult on the National Action Plan for Defra HSE yes
the Sustainable Use of Pesticides by 2018, in line with the
commitment in the 25 Year Environment Plan
Continue to base policy on pesticides on the best available Defra ECP, HSE yes yes yes
science. Support further restrictions on neonicotinoids on the
basis of the current available evidence. Consider applications
for emergency authorisations on a case by case basis, to be
scrutinised by the ECP and taking full account of the scientific
evidence and the need to avoid unacceptable risks to
pollinators.
7Managing our Land
What success will look like:
• Improvements will be recorded in the condition of protected sites (Areas/Sites of Special Scientific Interest (A/SSSIs))
• Increases will be recorded in the extent, quality or connectivity of wildflower-rich habitat outside protected sites, e.g. in Local
Wildlife Sites, farmland, public spaces, gardens and verges (including linkages to the ‘wildflower recovery areas’ outlined in the 25
Year Environment Plan)
• Uptake will have continued of pollinator-friendly agri-environment packages
Steps for the partnership to take:
• Enable land managers to take pollinators into account and help deliver high quality, connected pollinator-friendly habitats
• Continue to inform actions with robust evidence and regular evaluation
• Take forward the IPM commitments in the 25 Year Environment Plan, engaging with key stakeholders
Table 6: Agri-environment schemes and voluntary land management measures
Action Lead Partners 2018/19 2019/20 2020/21
Continue to promote and target Countryside Stewardship, including the Wild Natural CFE, BBCT yes yes yes
Pollinator and Farm Wildlife Package (2016 IP Action 5). England (NE)
Promote and facilitate landscape scale conservation of pollinators, including NE, Defra, yes yes yes
through: Buglife, CFE,
• Countryside Stewardship The Wildlife
• Farmer clusters Trusts,
BBCT,
• The Landscapes for Wild Pollinators projects (2018/19 new/extended
GWCT
projects: ‘West Country Buzz’, led by the Bumblebee Conservation
Trust; and ‘Martin Down Super Cluster’, led by the Game and Wildlife
8Action Lead Partners 2018/19 2019/20 2020/21
Conservation Trust and three existing farmer cluster groups)
• Voluntary initiatives (e.g. mapping and habitat creation approaches
such as Buglife’s B-Lines and the Wildlife Trusts’ Living Landscapes)
(2016 IP Action 5)
Continue engagement with farmers and farm advisers through workshops, CFE; NE CFE partners yes yes yes
advice provision and online resources focused on pollinator management, (including NFU, CLA,
including through: TFA, AIC, GWCT,
• The Bees’ Needs website LEAF); Wildlife
• Developing a new online information hub with a dedicated pollinator Trusts; Defra; BFA,
channel (CFE) BBCT, Soil
Association
• Countryside Stewardship/ELMS
• Other projects and activities
(2016 IP Action 7)
Encourage and support major landowners/managers including government Defra, PASG ALGE, The Royal yes yes yes
departments, County farm managers and other public bodies to take action Parks, Other
and agree plans and targets for pollinators. (2016 IP Action 12) Government
Departments/ bodies
New actions
Deliver a programme of improvements to protected sites (A/SSSIs). NE yes yes yes
Support the design of the new Environmental Land Management Scheme so Defra, NE PASG: NGOs, NFU, yes yes yes
that it benefits pollinators and works at a landscape scale, including: academic partners
• Reviewing the current agri-environment scheme and delivery and looking (e.g. UEA)
at options including ‘Payment for results’;
• Working with farmers, land managers, environmental experts and
stakeholders to test and trial new approaches and investigate innovative
funding mechanisms for the delivery of environmental outcomes.
9Action Lead Partners 2018/19 2019/20 2020/21
Develop plans for a network of ‘wildflower recovery areas’ to provide Defra Buglife, CFE, The
opportunities for conserving pollinators, as outlined in the 25 Year Wildlife Trusts,
Environment Plan. Plantlife
Continue to take action to secure the establishment of the short-haired BBCT RSPB, NE yes
bumblebee.
Identify options for integrating action for pollinators in the planning process. Defra yes
Continue to offer discounted pollen & nectar mixes for farmers. CFE CFE partners yes
Support the adoption of new ‘best practice’ management guidelines for road Plantlife, NE, ALGE yes yes
verge biodiversity. Defra
Establish a cross-government working group to promote and deliver action for Defra Other government yes
pollinators on the public estate departments and
bodies
Table 7: Pesticides / Integrated Pest Management (IPM)
Action Lead Partners 2018/19 2019/20 2020/21
For research and monitoring actions, see ‘Pesticides / Integrated Pest Management (IPM)’ under ‘Strengthening the Evidence Base’
Continue to share and promote IPM practices/crop protection messages to The Voluntary NFU, CFE, other VI yes yes yes
farmers and advisers. (2016 IP Action 10) Initiative (VI) partners
Continue to work with the Amenity Forum to ensure appropriate pesticide Defra, HSE Amenity Forum yes yes yes
guidance is available for all parts of the sector and explore ways to
maximise uptake by users. (2016 IP Action 19)
10Sustaining Bee Health
What success will look like:
• A new Healthy Bees Plan will be in place by December 2019 with measurable targets for delivery on education and pest and
disease inspections and control, which is consistent with the aims and objectives of the National Pollinator Strategy
Steps for the partnership to take:
• Review the existing Healthy Bees Plan and its evidence of success since 2009
• Consult with beekeeping organisations to ensure the next plan meets their needs
Table 8: Bee health
Action Lead Partners 2018/19 2019/20 2020/21
Continue to assist beekeepers with identifying and controlling bee pests and NBU Defra, BFA, BBKA, yes yes yes
diseases, including providing hive-side training and training courses, and Beekeepers
through DASH, the Disease Accreditation Scheme for Honeybees (operated
by the National Bee Unit (NBU) and the BFA). (2016 IP Action 21)
Act on lessons learned to improve capability to deal with future pest and NBU, BFA, BBKA yes yes yes
disease outbreaks. (2016 IP Action 22) Defra
Continue to monitor the impact of the trade in bumblebees. (2016 IP Action Defra, yes yes yes
23) NE
New Actions
Develop a new Healthy Bees Plan by December 2019, consistent with the Defra NBU, BFA, BBKA, other yes yes
aims and objectives of the National Pollinator Strategy Bee Health Advisory Forum
and academic partners
11Engaging People
What success will look like:
• In every county, people will be accessing Bees’ Needs advice and committing to take action for pollinators in their gardens,
window boxes or communal spaces, with nationwide action increasing year on year
• In every county, schools, local authorities, community groups and other organisations will be participating in Bees’ Needs Week
and other campaigns and activities, with nationwide action increasing year on year
• Government department and agency commitments to take action for pollinators across the public estate and/or through
institutional remit will have increased in coverage and/or ambition year on year
Steps for the partnership to take:
• Regularly share best practice on the Bees’ Needs website, including utilising actions and campaigns already undertaken by PASG
members
• Undertake keener analysis of audiences, their needs and actions to which they are likely to be receptive
• Deliver more messages and content relevant to localities and regions, including rural and urban
Table 9: Understanding audiences
Action Lead Partners 2018/19 2019/20 2020/21
New Actions
Publish the review of social and cultural value of pollinators. Defra yes
Explore options for, and agree actions on, conducting or collating existing audience Defra, yes
analysis to increase the relevance and specificity of pollinator messaging. PASG
12Table 10: Engaging the public
Action Lead Partners 2018/19 2019/20 2020/21
For raising awareness of farmers and landowners, see ‘Agri-environment schemes and voluntary measures on farms’ under ‘Manage our Land’
Develop and deliver an ambitious communications plan led by a sub-group of PASG Defra, yes yes yes
and with input from relevant Defra policy and communications teams. The plan will PASG
coordinate a series of targeted events – including during Bees’ Needs Week - and
associated opportunities to promote positive steps that people and communities
everywhere can take for pollinators year-round; and identify opportunities to engage the
public through wider pollinator-relevant policies (2016 Implementation Plan Action 1).
Disseminate regular, up-to-date advice through a new Bees’ Needs hosted website to Defra, PASG yes yes yes
encourage action across the country. Improve the targeting of communications specific BBCT
to audiences, to reach people, communities and institutions wanting to act but feeling
uncertain, to those already leading on best practice. This includes the promotion of:
• The “5 Simple Actions” for everyone to take
• Citizen science initiatives (e.g. PoMS)
• Case studies of exemplary action from Bees’ Needs Champions and other
projects
• Partners’ and other local best practice and engagement expertise
(2016 IP Action 2).
Increase outreach work with communities to support pollinators, through events, online Defra, Green Flag yes yes yes
communication, Bees’ Needs Champions networks of best practice (see Box 11) and PASG
other approaches (2016 IP Action 3).
New Actions
Increase public engagement through, or linked to, other themes and policy areas, for Defra, yes yes yes
example: PASG
• Health, well-being, education and outdoor learning as part of Defra’s approach
13Action Lead Partners 2018/19 2019/20 2020/21
under the 25 Year Environment Plan and 2019’s Year of Green Action.
• The Environmental Land Management system, the Environment Act and
Agriculture Act, the Nature Recovery Network.
Measure numbers and types of people and organisations accessing and acting on Defra, yes yes yes
Bees’ Needs website content and campaigns to ensure that engagement increases PASG
year on year and nationwide action is documented from schools, local authorities,
community groups and other organisations, in every county.
Table 11: Celebrating success and promoting good practice
Action Lead Partners 2018/19 2019/20 2020/21
Deliver an annual programme of Bees’ Needs Champions Awards, Defra Green Flag Awards (Keep yes yes yes
partnering with award programmes in wider sectors as well as initiatives Britain Tidy), PASG,
such as the Government’s Year of Green Action (2016 IP Action 18). farming bodies, education
bodies/ programmes
New Actions
Work with the Bees’ Needs Champions award winners as an ongoing Defra, Green Flag, farming yes yes
network(s) of best practice, to promote and support ambitious action PASG bodies, education bodies/
across their sectors (e.g. local authorities, community groups, schools, programmes
universities, beekeepers, farmers). Using, for example:
• Online and social media messaging, advice, case studies and
newsletters
• Facilitation and training events during Bees’ Needs Week, the
Year of Green Action and other PASG member events
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